Re: X config/XDM
Timothy said,
> Hi,
>
> I'd like to know what is the proper and easy way for a
> not so X-experience guy to configure the X windows. Specifically
> the configuration in the XF86Config, modeline, options, etc.
> Secondly, how to setup the desktop for user if the X-window
> was configured properly?
>
Hi there,
Have you read the XFree86-HowTo? It's quite informative. If anything I suggest here doesn't make sense, then refer to that document, or to the documentation for your version of XFree86. You can find this at http://www.xfree86.org
First, you need some info about your hardware. Specifically:
1) What kind of mouse do you have? How many buttons does it have? Does it connect to the serial port, the PS/2 port, or a bus card? Which serial port is it attached to, if any?
2) What kind of keyboard do you have? How many keys? What encoding? (if you've never heard of this, and you use English, then it is probably US encoding).
3) What are the capabilities of your monitor? What is your monitors horizontal sync range? What is your monitors vertical sync range? This information should be in the documentation for your monitor. Some manufacturers provide this on thier websites or in downloadable PDF or .ps files.
4) What video card are you using? How much video memory is on the card? What chipset does it use? The chipset is more important than the card's name! If you have to look on the card itself, then do so. The chip name you are looking for is on the large, usually square, centrally located chip. I've had to temporarily remove heat sinks in order to get this information. If you do this, be careful not to get the glue on the heatsink dirty, or you will be unable to replace it. Sometimes a hair dryer on LOW heat will soften the glue enough to make heatsink removal/replacement more easy. IT IS NOT RECCOMENDED THAT YOU REMOVE THE HEATSINK FROM YOUR CARD! (if I jumped off a cliff, would you?)
With the above information you are ready to run the xf86 config program. Be carefull to read and follow all of the instructions as the program prompts you. Once you have generated a XF86Config file, run startx as root. If you get a screen, you can run xvidtune to refine your settings until you are satisfied. If you your xserver fails to start, then run xf86config again and choose lower resolutions.
My instructions are no excuse for not having read the HowTo! Read it. Be sure that your card is supported and that you have installed the corect xserver package.
It's not as hard as it sounds, and it's well worth understanding.
Have fun, and report back if you have more questions. If you run into difficulty, be sure to include as much information as you can with your question.
Glad to help!
-ptw
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